Do you know those dishes that everyone in the family agrees on? The ones even the little ones devour with pleasure and adults appreciate for their simplicity and goodness? Well, soy noodles with ground meat in sweet and sour sauce are one of those!
And if I told you that the number one fan of this recipe is my 6-year-old son, would you believe it?
I still remember the first time I made them for him. He looked at them with a bit of suspicion, with those noodles so different from the pasta he was used to.
Then he tasted one, and his eyes lit up! “Dad, they’re delicious! I want to eat them all the time!” he exclaimed with his mouth full. And since that day, there’s not a week that he doesn’t ask me for them.
But he’s not the only one who loves them.
This recipe is truly a guaranteed success with everyone: it appeals to both young and old, is perfect for a quick family dinner after a busy day, for a casual lunch with friends, or even for a special occasion when you want something different from the usual.
The secret? An irresistible mix of flavors and textures, with the soy noodles perfectly combining with the tasty ground meat, peppers adding a sweet note, and the sweet and sour sauce giving that extra touch of character.
If you’re also curious to try this recipe that has won over the heart (and palate!) of my entire family, keep reading!
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- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Very Economical
- Rest time: 5 Minutes
- Preparation time: 5 Minutes
- Portions: 4
- Cooking methods: Stove
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All Seasons, Spring, Summer
Ingredients
- 13.5 oz soy noodles
- 12.3 oz mixed ground meat
- 1 onion
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 red bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 4 tablespoons sweet and sour sauce
Tools
- 1 Wok Lagostina
Steps
Preparing the soy noodles:
Soy noodles, unlike traditional pasta, do not require cooking in boiling water.To prepare them, immerse them in plenty of cold water and let them soak for the time indicated on the package, generally 10 to 15 minutes. Some thicker types of soy noodles may require longer soaking, even 30 minutes to an hour.
If you have time, you can leave them to soak overnight or the day before, this way they will become even softer and silkier.
Ensure the water completely covers the noodles, and if necessary, add more during soaking.
Once ready, drain them and briefly rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and prevent them from sticking together.
Preparing the vegetables:
For the sauté, we’ll use onion, garlic, and red bell pepper.Start by peeling the onion and garlic.
Then finely chop the onion and garlic, you can use a sharp knife or, if you prefer, a food processor. Thoroughly wash the red bell pepper, remove the stem, seeds, and internal white veins.
Cut the bell pepper into thin strips or small cubes, depending on your preference.
If you want to add a touch of color and extra flavor, you can also use half a yellow or green bell pepper.
Cooking the meat and sauté
For cooking, it is ideal to use a large non-stick pan or, even better, a wok.Pour the sesame oil into the pan and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and gently sauté, stirring often to prevent burning. Add the chopped garlic and cook for a minute, then add the red bell pepper and cook for about 5 minutes, or until slightly softened.
At this point, add the ground meat and brown it well, breaking it up with a wooden spoon to avoid lumps.
When the meat is well browned, pour in the sweet and sour sauce and soy sauce. Mix well and let cook on low heat for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
Combining ingredients and final cooking:
Drain the soy noodles, which you have previously soaked, and briefly rinse under cold water.Add them directly to the pan with the meat and vegetable sauce. Gently mix to combine the ingredients, and stir-fry the noodles over high heat for a couple of minutes, so they absorb the seasoning well. Taste and, if necessary, adjust the salt.
If you prefer a more sweet and sour taste, you can add another tablespoon of sweet and sour sauce. If you want a more intense flavor, add a bit of soy sauce.
Plating and serving
Once cooked, turn off the heat and let the soy noodles rest for a couple of minutes. This allows the flavors to intensify and the noodles to absorb the sauce further.Serve the soy noodles with ground meat hot, garnishing as desired with toasted sesame seeds, chopped fresh cilantro, or a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.
Enjoy your meal!
Here are some tips, variations, and storage suggestions for soy noodles with ground meat:
Tips:
Quality of ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for an even tastier dish.
Type of meat:
You can substitute ground beef with pork, chicken, or turkey, or use a mix of meats.
Cooking the meat:
Be careful not to overcook the ground meat, as it will become dry. It’s important that it remains tender and juicy.
Flavor intensity:
If you want a more flavorful dish, you can add a teaspoon of curry paste or a pinch of sweet or spicy paprika to the sauté.
Garnishes:
Besides sesame seeds and fresh cilantro, you can garnish the dish with chopped toasted peanuts, sliced green onions, bean sprouts, or lime slices.
Variations:
Vegetables:
You can add other vegetables to the sauté, such as carrots, zucchini, mushrooms, Chinese cabbage, broccoli, or peas.
Sauces:
Experiment with different sauces, like teriyaki sauce, oyster sauce, or spicy sriracha sauce.
Proteins:
You can add diced tofu or shrimp instead of ground meat for a vegetarian or seafood version.
Noodles:
You can use other types of noodles, such as rice noodles or buckwheat noodles.
Storage:
Leftovers: If you have leftovers, you can store them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheating:
To reheat the soy noodles, you can use the microwave or a non-stick pan. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent them from drying out too much.
Freezing:
I do not recommend freezing soy noodles, as their texture may change after thawing.
I hope these tips are useful to you!
Wine Pairing for Soy Noodles with Ground Meat in Sweet and Sour Sauce:
Pairing wine with a dish of soy noodles with ground meat in sweet and sour sauce requires some attention to balance the flavors.
The sweet and sour sauce, with its sweet and acidic notes, can be a bit tricky for wine.
Here are some options you might consider: White wines:
Riesling:
A German Riesling, with its lively acidity and fruity aromas, can contrast well with the sweetness of the sweet and sour sauce and accompany the spicy notes of the dish. In particular, a Mosel Riesling, with its minerality and citrus notes, could be a great choice.
Gewürztraminer:
If you like aromatic wines, an Alsatian Gewürztraminer might be interesting. Its aromas of lychee, rose, and spices pair well with the exotic flavors of the sweet and sour sauce.
Müller-Thurgau:
A Müller-Thurgau, with its freshness and delicate aromas of white-fleshed fruit, can be a lighter and more refreshing pairing, ideal if the dish isn’t overly spicy.
Rosé wines:
Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo:
A rosé with good structure and acidity, like Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo, can handle the complexity of the sweet and sour sauce and accompany the ground meat.
Red wines:
Lambrusco:
Surprisingly, a sparkling Lambrusco, with its light sweetness and lively acidity, can create an interesting pairing with the sweet and sour sauce. Choose a Sorbara Lambrusco, which is drier and fresher.
Pinot Noir:
If you prefer a still red wine, an Alto Adige Pinot Noir, with its delicate tannins and red fruit notes, can be an interesting option.
Tips:
Serving temperature:
Serve the white or rosé wine well chilled, while the red wine slightly cool.
Intensity of the dish:
If the dish is very spicy, choose a wine with good acidity and aromatics to balance the spiciness.
Personal taste:
Ultimately, the best pairing is the one you like the most!
Experiment and discover which wine suits your palate best.
Cheers! 🥂
Cheers! 🥂
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
Here are some questions and answers you’ve asked me about soy noodles:
Are soy noodles gluten-free?
Yes, soy noodles are naturally gluten-free, making them a great alternative for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
How do you cook soy noodles?
Unlike wheat pasta, soy noodles are not cooked in boiling water. Simply soak them in hot water for the time indicated on the package (usually 10-15 minutes), drain them, and add them to your favorite dishes.
Do soy noodles make you gain weight?
Soy noodles are generally low in fat and calories, and can be a lighter option compared to traditional pasta. However, it’s important to consider the dressing and other ingredients in the dish to assess the overall caloric intake.
What do soy noodles taste like?
Soy noodles have a neutral and delicate flavor, which pairs well with various sauces and dressings. They easily absorb the flavors of other ingredients, making them very versatile in cooking.
What are the benefits of soy noodles?
Soy noodles are a good source of plant-based proteins and fiber, and are low in saturated fats. Additionally, they are easy to digest and may help regulate blood sugar levels.Where can you buy soy noodles?
Soy noodles can be easily found in supermarkets, Asian grocery stores, and online. They are available in various shapes and sizes, such as spaghetti, vermicelli, and fettuccine.
How do you store soy noodles?
Dried soy noodles can be stored for a long time in a cool, dry place. Once cooked, store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Are soy noodles suitable for vegans?
Yes, soy noodles are a vegan food, as they are made only with soy flour and water.
